Sunderland youngster Josh Maja could be about to break into the first team after impressing Chris Coleman, according to a report by The Chronicle.

Josh Maja has returned to training after a long-term injury but has already caught the eye of new Sunderland manager Chris Coleman, who could give him game time in the Championship when he returns to full fitness.

The 18-year-old was highly impressive in pre-season but then suffered a knee injury, preventing him from making his breakthrough under Simon Grayson.

After sitting on the sidelines for a while with injury, Maja made his long awaited return to football on Monday, playing 45 minutes for Sunderland's under-23 side.

Talking about Maja, Coleman said:

"He’s a good goalscorer and he’s impressed me with what I’ve seen so far.

“It’s a bit early for us in terms of his fitness, but yeah he looks okay that boy.

“At that age they can look good with their age group but then when they come up against the men as it were, they’re not as comfortable with that environment.

“But for what I’ve seen of him, he’s not put off by that at all.”

The former Fulham youngster is still likely to be left out for the next week or two, but Coleman could give him some first team minutes when he regains match fitness.

The Verdict

Josh Maja might just turn out to be that wildcard that helps spearhead Sunderland to survival.

He is young, quick and energetic so when he regains full fitness, he will be a handful for Championship defences.

After being let down by a number of top earning first team members, maybe a hungry youngster like Maja can inspire the Black Cats to safety.

Sunderland fans - Do you want to see Maja in the first team? Let us know below...